About Us

The Friendship Circle is a meaningful program that reaches out and extends warmth and friendship to the families in the community who have children with special needs.

The Friendship Circle serves a dual purpose and enriches all who participate. Pairs of teenage volunteers will be visiting children with special needs in their homes once a week for about an hour. Their role will be to play and interact with the child, thus giving the parents much needed respite. The children gain a special friend that will create an everlasting relationship. The teenage volunteers become empowered and enriched as their own moral character grows through their service.

The Friendship Circle is made up of five parts: volunteers, children, parents, staff, and supporters. The true beauty of the circle is how we all link together to form a seamless circle of friendship.” Whether you're a teenager who wants to make a difference, a parent whose Jewish child has special needs, a professional willing to devote your time or a member of the community who would like to offer financial support, there's a place in Friendship Circle for you!

Teens volunteers receive special training from therapists and then visit children with special needs or children whom are in need of a buddy on a regular basis. This also allows the parents of these children some precious free time. The teenage volunteer learns to cherish the value of giving and of making a difference in a child's life.

If you are or know of a teen who would like to volunteer, or a child with special needs or a child in need of a buddy, please contact Rochel Simon at (937) 643-0770 ext. 1 or you can e-mail: rabbilevi@chabaddayton.com